How Much Do Commercial Roofing Contractors Make? | Earnings & Insights in New Jersey (2025)
How Much Do Commercial Roofing Contractors Make? | Earnings & Insights in New Jersey (2025)
Commercial roofing contractors play a vital role in maintaining the structural integrity of industrial buildings across the United States. From warehouse retrofits in Newark to retail center restorations in Jersey City, these professionals ensure that roofs remain functional, compliant, and weather-resistant. But how much do commercial roofing contractors make, particularly in New Jersey? The answer hinges on several factors—experience level, project scope, location within the state, and even the types of roofing materials used.
With CJ Commercial Roofing NJ, we explore average earnings, salary ranges, market influences, and career growth opportunities for commercial roofing contractors in New Jersey—with insights designed to satisfy both job seekers and industry stakeholders.
💼 Average Salary of Commercial Roofing Contractors in New Jersey
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local contractor salary databases, the average annual income for commercial roofing contractors in New Jersey falls between $55,000 and $105,000.
✅ Entry-level commercial roofers (with 0–2 years experience) can expect to earn between $18 to $25 per hour, or roughly $37,000 to $52,000 annually.
✅ Mid-level contractors with certifications like OSHA 30 and proven experience in EPDM, TPO, and modified bitumen systems can command $60,000 to $80,000 per year.
✅ Top-tier commercial roofing specialists, particularly those who own or manage contracting businesses in hubs like Newark, Trenton, or Elizabeth, often earn over $100,000 annually.
🔍 Notably, salaries in urban areas such as Jersey City and Hoboken tend to be higher due to increased project volume, more competitive bidding, and higher living costs.
🧩 What Influences Roofing Contractor Earnings?
1. Location Within New Jersey
Market rates fluctuate based on county and city demand. For example:
- North Jersey (e.g., Paterson, Clifton): High competition but also high demand from industrial parks and logistics centers.
- Central Jersey (e.g., New Brunswick, Edison): Academic institutions and biotech sectors generate roofing work on research labs and multi-tenant facilities.
- South Jersey (e.g., Camden, Cherry Hill): Residential-commercial hybrids and warehouses impact contractor scope and revenue streams.
2. Project Type & Scope
Large-scale re-roofing of corporate buildings or distribution centers yields higher payouts than patchwork or emergency leak repairs.
🔧 Common commercial projects in NJ include:
- Flat roof installations using TPO, EPDM, and PVC membranes
- Retrofits and energy-efficient upgrades (e.g., cool roofs)
- Insurance-driven storm damage replacements (especially after nor’easters or hurricanes)
3. Business Ownership vs Employment
While wage-earning commercial roofers receive fixed hourly rates, roofing business owners or subcontracting firms enjoy more significant profit margins—up to 20-30% net profits on large commercial jobs.
📈 Profitability & Revenue Streams
To assess how much commercial roofing contractors really make, it’s essential to look beyond base salaries and consider profit per job and annual revenue.
💵 Revenue Model Example:
- Commercial flat roof replacement (20,000 sq ft)
- Average price: $7–$12 per sq ft
- Revenue: $140,000–$240,000
- Material & labor cost: ~70%
- Net profit: $42,000–$72,000 per project
Many New Jersey-based commercial roofers aim to complete 10–20 such contracts annually, bringing total annual revenues to $1M+, especially for licensed and bonded contractors working with schools, government buildings, and commercial complexes.
🎓 Certifications That Boost Earnings
New Jersey contractors can significantly increase their rates by acquiring key certifications, which position them for higher-end jobs:
- OSHA 10/30 Safety Certifications
- NRCA ProCertification®
- GAF Master Commercial Roofing Contractor
- CertainTeed Credentialing (Low-Slope Systems)
- Duro-Last Authorized Installer
📍 Local licensing with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs is also essential to secure commercial bids legally.
🏢 High-Demand Employers & Projects in NJ
Leading employers in the commercial roofing sector include:
- CJ Commercial Roofing NJ
- Northeast Industrial Roofing (Piscataway)
- All Weather Roofing (Jersey City)
- United Roofing Corp. (Camden)
Contracts with public school districts, logistics centers near the Newark Port, and multi-family commercial units in Hoboken are especially lucrative.
📊 Market Outlook for 2025 & Beyond
The commercial roofing industry in New Jersey is expected to grow by 4.5% annually through 2027, fueled by:
- Increased investments in green building and solar-ready roofing
- Post-COVID commercial property renovations
- Climate change mitigation via storm-resistant materials
The New Jersey Clean Energy Program also incentivizes commercial retrofits, enabling roofers to expand into energy-efficient roofing systems, including solar membrane installations and insulated roof decks.
🛠️ Tips for Maximizing Income as a Commercial Roofer in NJ
- Diversify services: Include guttering, coatings, skylight installation, and waterproofing.
- Bid on public sector projects: These often offer reliable payout schedules and sizable contracts.
- Invest in marketing: Leverage local SEO strategies (e.g., “flat roof repair Jersey City”) to attract high-intent leads.
- Network with general contractors: Build alliances with property managers and developers in Middlesex, Bergen, and Essex counties.
- Offer preventative maintenance plans: Many NJ building owners prefer annual service contracts for warranty protection and insurance compliance.
📍 Local SEO Note: Why Location Still Matters
Including New Jersey-specific keywords—like “commercial roofer in Trenton” or “flat roof repair Newark”—can significantly increase visibility in local search. Google’s algorithm favors geo-specific long-tail keywords, making it essential for contractors and agencies to include county names, ZIP codes, and state certifications in their content and GMB listings.
🚀 Final Thoughts
So—how much do commercial roofing contractors make in New Jersey? The answer varies, but skilled professionals can expect a strong earning trajectory, with experienced or entrepreneurial roofers reaching six figures annually. With high demand, urban density, and an aging commercial infrastructure, New Jersey offers lucrative opportunities for those willing to invest in their trade, certification, and visibility.
Whether you’re a roofing pro looking to expand your business in Jersey City, or a newcomer considering commercial roofing in Trenton, the Garden State remains one of the most profitable territories for roofing contractors in the Northeast U.S.